Two West Nile fever cases confirmed in Skopje, Macedonia

Laboratory testing at the University Clinic for Infectious Diseases in Skopje confirmed two infections with West Nile fever, the director of the clinic, Fadil Cana, said. Both patients are hospitalized and under continuous medical monitoring, receiving therapy according to current guidelines.

West Nile fever is a mosquito‑borne viral disease that is often asymptomatic or mild, but can cause severe neurological complications in older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Health officials warned that there is no need for panic but urged the public to take extra precautions during the summer months when mosquito activity peaks. Recommended measures include using insect repellents, wearing long‑sleeved clothing and long trousers outdoors, fitting window screens, and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed. The clinic noted similar cases have been recorded this season in other countries of the region and said it remains in close coordination with national health authorities.